Tlacoyos – Crispy, Cheesy Mexican Street Snack
Make authentic tlacoyos at home with this easy recipe. These oval-shaped masa cakes are stuffed with beans or cheese, cooked on a comal, and topped with nopales, salsa, and cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 cups masa harina
- 1 ¼ cups warm water adjust as needed
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup refried black beans or requesón, or mashed chicharrón prensado
- Nopal salad or cooked sliced nopales
- Queso fresco or cotija crumbled
- Salsa verde or roja
- Mexican crema optional
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix masa harina, salt, and water until soft dough forms. Knead for 2–3 minutes.
- Divide into 6–8 equal portions. Roll each into a ball, then flatten into thick discs.
- Add a spoonful of beans to the center of each disc. Fold the dough around the filling and shape into a flat oval.
- Heat a dry cast iron skillet or comal over medium heat.
- Cook tlacoyos 4–5 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula until golden and slightly puffed.
- Top with warm nopales, cheese, salsa, and crema.
- Pro Tip: If they puff too much, gently press them back down to ensure even crisping.